Pura Nusa Dharma: A Peaceful Place of Worship in Nusa Dua
Pura Nusa Dharma, located in Banjar Benoa, Tanjung Benoa Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, has a history closely tied to the spiritual experiences of Babah Tan Sie Yong. While fishing on a small island separated from the mainland of Nusa Dua, Babah Tan and his friend became stranded by a high tide that prevented them from returning. This event marked the beginning of the establishment of Pura Nusa Dharma as a spiritual center in the area.
According to the account of Jero Mangku Sandi, the history of Pura Nusa Dharma began when Babah Tan Sie Yong, a Chinese descendant, decided to go fishing with his friend on a small island separated from the main land of Nusa Dua. This island is known as Pulau Nusa Dharma, which at that time was still relatively unknown. Their fishing activity went smoothly until they suddenly realized that the tide was rising quickly. Babah Tan Sie Yong and his friend, who were too engrossed in their fishing, were late to notice that the tide had risen so high that it cut off their access to return to the mainland of Nusa Dua.
Due to this situation, they were unable to return and were forced to stay on Pulau Nusa Dharma. In this uncertain situation, Babah Tan Sie Yong and his friend decided to engage in prayer and meditation every night, hoping that the tide would recede so they could safely return to Nusa Dua. During their stay on the island, Babah Tan Sie Yong made a sacred promise. He vowed that if he and his friend successfully made it off Pulau Nusa Dharma, he would build a place of worship as a form of gratitude for the protection they had received.
Pura Nusa Dharma Reminder Plaque (Source: Personal Collection)
After meditating and spending 10 nights on the island, the sea finally began to recede. However, what was more remarkable was how quickly the water level dropped, as if some supernatural force was pushing it away into the ocean. Witnessing this event, Babah Tan Sie Yong felt incredibly grateful and believed that his prayers had been answered. Once the water had receded, he and his friend managed to return to Nusa Dua safely. In accordance with his promise, in 1948, Babah Tan Sie Yong began to realize his intention to build Pura Nusa Dharma as an expression of his gratitude. The temple was officially completed and inaugurated on June 10 1948, which is recorded in the inscription of Pura Nusa Dharma as an important day in the history of the temple.
Pura Nusa Dharma was built as a sacred place that adopts Hindu religious traditions, even though Babah Tan Sie Yong himself was of Chinese descent and practiced Buddhism. This reflects a spirit of tolerance and appreciation for local traditions, which are deeply rooted in Nusa Dua and Bali in general. To this day, the temple continues to be maintained and rituals are conducted according to Hindu customs, following the same ceremonial order as other temples in Bali. The piodalan ceremony, which is the main worship ceremony at this temple, is held every Purnama Kasa, a sacred day in the Balinese calendar that is considered important for honoring the deities.
Entrance Side of Pura Nusa Dharma (Source: Personal Collection)
The family that serves as the caretakers or managers of Pura Nusa Dharma is the family of Jero Mangku Sandi from Bualu Village, along with the family of Babah Ketut Jaya, who is a descendant of Babah Tan Sie Yong himself. This temple also receives oversight and support from Puri Jero Kuta, known as the spiritual guardian of the temple. As a sacred place with such deep historical significance, Pura Nusa Dharma is not only a place of worship but also a center of spirituality that is respected by many people.
Since the establishment of Pura Nusa Dharma, many wonders have occurred there, further solidifying its status as a sacred place with strong spiritual energy. One of the most famous phenomena is the emergence of several freshwater springs in the temple area. This water is then utilized as tirta, or holy water, used in religious ceremonies and for the prayers of visitors to the temple. Another miracle often mentioned by the local community is the appearance of a spring that mysteriously splits the coral rocks surrounding the temple. Within the coral, an archaeological artifact known as a water cubang (Ketu Pendeta) was discovered, which has now been removed and placed on a special altar within the temple grounds.
Altar of Pura Nusa Dharma (Source: Personal Collection)
Pura Nusa Dharma is not only known for its miracles but also as a place where devotees come to seek blessings and safety. Many people visit this temple for various purposes, such as seeking personal purification through meditation, requesting children (nunas sentana), or praying for healing for those who are ill. Additionally, the temple is often visited by those wishing to seek safety (penglukatan) as a form of self-protection from negative influences.
On the eastern side of the temple, there is an altar shaped like a tapas. This altar attracts the attention of many devotees because it houses a vessel made of tufa stone, resembling a large jar. These artifacts, which date back to ancient times, are an important part of the historical value and spiritual richness of Pura Nusa Dharma. With all its uniqueness and spiritual strength, Pura Nusa Dharma continues to be a revered place for Hindus and visitors from various backgrounds who wish to experience spiritual tranquility and seek blessings from God.
